King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:15 Mean?

Leviticus 4:15 in the King James Version says “And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock s...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.”

Leviticus 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;

14

When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

15

And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.

16

And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

17

And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD, even before the vail.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Sin Offerings. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְ֠סָֽמְכוּ1 of 15

“shall lay”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

זִקְנֵ֨י2 of 15

“And the elders”

H2205

old

הָֽעֵדָ֧ה3 of 15

“of the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

אֶת4 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְדֵיהֶ֛ם5 of 15

“their hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל6 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֥אשׁ7 of 15

“upon the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַפָּ֖ר8 of 15

“and the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

לִפְנֵ֥י9 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְשָׁחַ֥ט11 of 15

“shall be killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת12 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפָּ֖ר13 of 15

“and the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:4Exodus 24:1Leviticus 4:4Leviticus 8:22Numbers 11:16Leviticus 8:14

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